A gigantic challenge awaited Jocelyn Thibault when he arrived at Hockey Quebec. He first had to introduce a new mentality that would get amateur hockey stakeholders in Quebec to work together. He has had to face adversity along the way, but like the great diplomat he is, he keeps it to himself. But we feel a wind of change within the organization.
Thibault appears to have rallied the troops, at least a large portion of them. The regional associations, leagues and teams affiliated with it seem to be more open to the association.
Because leaders must remember that they are not there for their personal glory. We count on them to provide the best support for the thousands of young hockey players here.
A duty for Quebec
In this context, the project to create a development program for men and women must be carried out. Our players would continue to improve by playing in a competitive environment.
Most countries where ice hockey is played have been doing it for a long time. I'm not going to get into a political debate, but Quebec has a duty to offer elite programs to its athletes. He doesn’t have to be afraid of Hockey Canada.
The establishment of national training is in line with the report of the Quebec Committee on the Development of Hockey, a study commissioned, as we recall, by our Prime Minister himself. It is now up to the Legault government to prove that this study was not an electoral maneuver on the sidelines of the 2022 elections.
If it's good for the Kings
The plan that Hockey Quebec is developing will come with costs. This requires hiring qualified trainers.
How could the government refuse to invest in our youth after giving the Los Angeles Kings this $5-7 million grant to help them hold part of their training camp in Quebec next October?
The same government that, through its Finance Minister Eric Girard, is multiplying its genuflections to Gary Bettman so that the National League grants us the grace to return a concession to the old capital.
If this project were to be realized, the training would also have to include players from Quebec who would give back to their society by paying taxes at home.
Jocelyn Thibault currently does not know whether the national program project would lead to permanent or semi-permanent teams.
In my opinion, I advocate further training. I would even go so far as to introduce the system at the major junior level.
The American program is proving successful in this regard.
Every draft, NHL teams draft players with both hands. The Canadiens alone had Cole Caufield, Cayden Primeau, Sean Farrell and Lane Hutson, who we saw in Montreal at the end of the season.
Is it necessary to add more?